This Reader's Review: Part XIX: "The Happiness Project"

I hadn't read a new book in about a week. I was searching for something new to jump in to. I was in desperate need to find something new to read. This was the perfect book for me. The book is "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. Happiness is something I've struggled with for the last year. In short, I couldn't find my way back to happy. I started this year off with one simple thought: be happy. To me, that meant thinking happy thoughts to change my outlook, even when I didn't feel happy. So, in a way, I was already exploring my own happiness project when I discovered this gem via my friend Joseph's Tumblr page. I had so many "a-ha" moments while reading. I love when a book makes me rethink things. There are things I have been doing all wrong. I learned so much from this book. I think everyone would learn a lot from Rubin's book. 

"Love is a funny thing." -- Gretchen Rubin

"Nietzsche wrote, "All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking," 

Do I believe it possible to make myself happy? Yes. I can honestly say that this book made me re-evaluate the way I approach the idea of happiness. By the time I reached the end of chapter one, I knew that this was a book I needed to read. It's funny the way things just fall into your lap right at the precise moment. The more I read Rubin's account of her journey to happiness, the more I saw myself in her words. Like Rubin, I too feel that I can be happier, that I'm supposed to be happier. I was already on the right word with my thinking positive motivation. By the time, I got to the end of this book, I felt happier. I felt like I had found another purpose for this year in my life. I wrote the areas in my life that needed to be happier and thoughts on how to achieve them. is happiness for me may not be for anyone else. But, I am the only person who can define what my idea of happiness truly is. I'm excited about it. This was a great read. I 100% recommend it to any and everyone. Get into Grtchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project" and her one sentence journal.  

"To be happy, I need to think about feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right." -- Gretchen Rubin

"It's a secret of Adulthood: Do good, feel good." -- Gretchen Rubin 

Give Thanks

• My family. Wouldn't trade them for all the money in the world. 
• My health. Aside from allergies, I am almost always healthy.
• A roof over my head, a soft place to sleep, the warmth of central air/heat. 
• Conversations with the kids (nieces and nephews). I love seeing the world from their perspective. So much wisdom from such tiny souls. Plus they give the best hugs this Teedy has ever received.

• These dope chocolate boots that I will be rocking today. I LOVE them. They are a fave. 
• My writing ability. It is my gift. I couldn't be happier that I get to share it with the world. 
• The Thanksgiving day meal I prepared and the family time that I am craving today. 

• Reciprocity in my life from those I love and trust. I dig that they give me what I need. 
• The arts. Good music and literature and art makes my soul happy. 
• And, finally, the promise of tomorrow. Another day to try to get this thing called life right. 

We Like To Party

This cake was a part of a Saturday surprise. I was lured to my Grandmother's house under the guise of a surprise party for her. That was only half true. It was also a surprise party for me as well. I was born 5 days before her birthday. She always said that I was her birthday gift. My sisters fooled me. It was a great surprise. It was a family party and I enjoyed every moment of it. I had the best time with my family. I haven't had a surprise party since I was a junior in high school. I haven't been myself lately. So, the party was a huge pick me up. My favorite cousin and her family came home for it. As well as my youngest sister.

My grandmother, whom we call Momma Lou, is 76 and she looks great. We both enjoyed our day. There was great company, great food, good drinks and of course, cake. All in abundance. Things were just awesome last Saturday. I smiled and laughed all day with them. They are all hilarious in their own way. It was just what I needed in a moment when I didn't even know I needed. The holidays haven't felt the same this year. But, the party put me in the best of moods. Hoping everyone enjoyed there holiday as much as I enjoyed my party! Loved it.

Butterfly = Happiness

Happiness is a simple concept. Humans tend to mess it up. I saw this quote and it struck a chord in me. Sometimes we complicate things, life, love and everything in between. Maybe happiness isn't to be chased. In the pursuit of happiness, we tend to miss out on life. It is what's happening while we chase this idea of happiness. That's the message I got from this quote. I love the idea that happiness can be as close as a butterfly. I stop chasing the idea of it and started living my life. Happiness found me in so many unexpected ways. I've smiled more in the last few years. I've laughed so much more. My happiness shines from within. What more could I ask for? Take time to stop and smell the tulips (I don't like roses lol). Simple but true! Heed the message, people!!!